About the Project

Project Concept

ELSMOR is an answer to the Horizon 2020 Euratom NFRP-2018-3 funding call. The project aims to investigate the selected safety features of light water SMRs with focus on designs deployable in the short term.

A specific focus is given to the prevention of early release through research on methods for robust safety assessments of core cooling functions and containment. The project also focuses on the demonstrability of the tools and methodologies developed for these challenges. The project is undertaken in collaboration with the French SMR developer consortium and the earlier conceptual development version of Nuward (F-SMR) provides some reference cases for investigation in eg. passive core cooling and submerged containment cooling.

As there is a clear interest in SMRs around Europe and the world, the project also focuses on dissemination of the results to various stakeholders, especially on how the results could be utilized to enhance the SMR licensing process.

Work Packages

The project consist of 7 different work packages that are described below in further detail. 

  • WP1: Identification of improved safety features of LW-SMRs
  • WP2: Development of safety analysis methodology for LW-SMRs
  • WP3: Core cooling safety functions
  • WP4: Improved Safety Analysis Methods and Tools for Containment Safety Functions
  • WP 5: Example of application of safety case methodology
  • WP6: Synthesis, Recommendations and Dissemination
  • WP7: Education & Training

Identification of improved safety features of LW-SMRs

Lead by GRS

WP1 focuses on the identification of advanced or innovative safety features of LW-SMRs that potentially pose challenges to established safety demonstration approaches.

  • Review of the European nuclear safety directive(s) and good practices on the safety assessment of LWR reactors,
  • Screening of current LW-SMR designs (based on available material) related to improved or innovative safety features
  • Summary of safety challenges for further consideration in the project

Development of safety analysis methodology for LW-SMRs

Lead by Framatome

WP2 focuses on developing a methodology with qualitative and quantitative recommendations to support the safety demonstration of LW-SMRs.

  • Complementary methodology development
    • Assessing the applicability of technology neutral Integrated Safety Assessment Method (ISAM) developed by GenIV International Forum
    • Systems engineering approach
  • Various aspects of SMRs
    • High-level objectives (reactivity control, core cooling, containment)
    • Multi-unit plants, human factors, decommissioning, fuel management

Core cooling safety functions

Lead by ENEA

Work Package 3 focuses on core cooling safety functions of integral LW-SMRs.

  • Work to be performed is associated with safety analysis, development and assessment of codes and models
  • Experimental investigations at SIET facility
    • Heat exchanger mock-up from TechnicAtome
    • Blind and post test modelling, model development

Improved Safety Analysis Methods and Tools for Containment Safety Functions

Lead by GRS

The objective of this WP is the development, assessment, and validation of analysis methods and tools for the safety demonstration of improved or innovative containment safety function features of integral LW-SMRs in general and the currently proposed French F-SMR design as a reference SMR in particular.

Example of application of safety case methodology

Lead by EDF

An application of the developed safety case methodologies and models with a chosen reference design will be performed in order to demonstrate their applicability for real cases. The approach will focus on the safety features of the global design, but with special attention and effort on safety systems that differ from large PWRs.

  • the application of the high-level methodologies developed in the Work Package 2 to the F-SMR,
  • the working of the safety functions in an accident scenario, and
  • the working of the safety functions in a severe accident scenario.

Synthesis, Recommendations and Dissemination

Lead by Fortum

WP6 focuses on stakeholder interaction and dissemination results of the project to recommendations to stakeholders. This will be performed throughout the lifecycle of the project.

  • Identifying important stakeholders and analysis of their needs
    • Different dissemination strategies towards different stakeholders
    • Industry, general public, academia, decision makers
  • Development of recommendations to stakeholders and future R&D work based on project outcomes
  • The organisation of an International Workshop
  • Dissemination of the project results

Education & Training

Lead by Cirten

WP7 targets the Education & Training of students and young researchers.

  • Involvement of MSc and PhD students and young researchers in the ELSMOR R&D activities, the preparation and implementation of an International Summer School
  • Design and broadcasting of Open Educational Resources (e.g. MOOC-like videos) on SMR concepts and ELSMOR findings

Project consortium